travel #3: Artisan Stores in Mumbai, India (formerly known as Bombay)

I had several hours to kill today before getting my flight home. Almost 16 hours on a direct flight is never fun, but at least I get to wander some before I go.

Unfortunately the stores would not allow me to take pictures of the intricate carvings and amazing pieces. I will try to get a friend to get some for later to show. The craftsmanship of the Indian carvers rivals any in the world. Most of the pieces I saw were of figures from their Hindu faith. I like to believe that their devotion to their faith adds to their creativity and helps them make even finer work.

I go into a store like this and want to take everything home with me. It is hard to fit a 6 foot tall statue of something in my suitcase so maybe next time I will get one and ship it home.

Many think that India is too far from their reality and budget to visit on a vacation, but in the end many exotic locations like this are well within reach to most travelers. I think that including the ticket, a person can take a vacation here for close to the same amount as some tacky resort beach vacation. The difference is that in a place like India, you can work on your mind rather than just the perfect tan. After all, tans fade and knowledge grows.

Having spent 6 yrs in Japan, and visited about 18 diifferent countries around the globe, I can attest the the advantages of getting a different taste of the world. You are a lucky man to have that opportunity and enjoy it as you do.

-- Measure with a micrometer, mark with a crayon, cut it with a chainsaw.